Helfrich Grand Cru Steinklotz Riesling Alsace 2011

The Data

Country France

Appellation Alsace

Varietal Riesling

Retail Price $25

ABV 12.56%

Score 4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Beautiful pale golden color with dozens of legs streaming down the glass.

Aromatics

The aromatics leap from the glass offering a complex melange ranging from wild flowers to citrus, tropical, and stone fruits with a brilliant mineral edge.

Flavor

Delivers waves of ripe and semi-tart tropical and orchard fruits with candied ginger, mint, and exotic Asian spice notes.

Intensity & Texture

Like all great Alsace Grand Cru wines this one offers seductive, rich flavors while never losing its vibrancy.

Cool Factor

I'm hardly alone in loving the wines of Alsace. A top-notch wine from an under-appreciated region and a producer that's flying under the radar adds up to Fonzie cool. Grade - A

Value Grade

B+

$25 a bottle is beyond some customers’ comfort zone. However, when you can buy a world-class wine with pedigree and pure hedonistic joy - it's worth every penny. Alsace continues to deliver some of France’s best wine values. Grade - A

Analysis

The Helfrich family has been making wines in Alsace for six generations. This wine is crafted from grapes sourced from their Steinkoltz Vineyard - the oldest recorded vineyard in Alsace and one of just 51 vineyards designated with Grand Cru status. The grapes were hand-picked in October and November. Fermentation took place in stainless steel at a cool temperature. The resulting wine exudes a strong sense of purity and unique character.

How to Enjoy

This great wine is happy with just a glass but its complex flavors and bright acidity make it an ideal food wine. I suggest pairing this wine with smoked pork chop, roasted duck, smoked salmon, or pan-fried haddock. Serve chilled but not too cold.